A Lagrangian Cloud Model for the Study of Marine Fog

Abstract

A large-eddy simulation model is coupled with a Lagrangian cloud model to study marine fog. In this model, aerosols and droplets are treated from a Lagrangian frame of reference, in contrast to the traditional bulk and bin microphysical models. Droplet growth via condensation is governed by Kohler theory and environmental conditions local to the droplet. Coupling to the vapour and temperature fields of the flow ensures mass, momentum, and energy conservation between the air and droplet phases. Based on the recent C-FOG field campaign, a simulation is performed which highlights the benefits and potential of this type of model. By initializing the simulation with the measured aerosol size distribution and making assumptions about the chemical composition of the multiple peaks, the simulations provide a clear explanation for the observed bimodal droplet distribution during C-FOG: high supersaturation levels cause condensational growth of nearly all coarse-mode aerosols (presumed to be composed of marine salt), as well as a large number of accumulation model aerosols (presumed to be of continental origin with a lower hygroscopicity). The largest peak in the resulting droplet distribution is created from coarse-mode aerosols with high hygroscopicity, while the secondary peak is only possible due to the limited impact of the largest peak on saturation levels inside the fog. Thus, for the simulated levels of supersaturation, it is the limited number of coarse-mode aerosols which is responsible for the emergence of a larger second peak.